Merlin Sternhagen was born August 23, 1920, in Worthington, Iowa the son of John and Matilda (Derga) Sternhagen. He passed away Wednesday, May 6, at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo having attained the age of 71 years, 8 months, and 13 days.

Merlin grew up in the Worthington area, attending rural schools and St. Paul's Parochial School. He was engaged in farming in Dubuque and Delaware counties for several years. On January 22, 1947, he was united in marriage to Marian Hillebrand in Cascade. In 1966 they moved to Holland. Merlin trucked mail from Waterloo to Des Moines, retiring in 1977. For the past two years, he made his home in Grundy Center with his daughter Ruth Ann and granddaughter Tammy.

In his earlier years, Merlin enjoyed carpentry work, breaking horses, and boating. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Grundy Center, and was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marian in 1990; his parents; 1 granddaughter, Tiffany Sternhagen; two brothers, Leonard and John; and one sister, Irene Kremer.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 9 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Grundy Center at 1:30 p.m. with Fr. Everett Freese officiating. Pallbearers were Jack Kremer; Roger Sternhagen, Marvin Sternhagen, Joe Sternhagen, Ralph Sternhagen, and Gerald Sternhagen. Burial was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.

The Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home, Grundy Center, was in charge of the professional arrangements.